Position Function:
The Director of the Luckyday Scholars Program (Luckyday Program) is responsible for developing, mentoring, and empowering students through intentional programming and leadership initiatives. This role fosters a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that promotes personal growth, academic success, community engagement, and leadership development. The Director provides structured group development experiences that strengthen peer support networks and cultivate a culture of service and collaboration. The Director is eligible for all benefits as a state of Mississippi employee.
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Center for Academic Excellence, the Director collaborates with Luckyday staff, university partners, and colleagues to design and implement student development initiatives that enhance retention, build community, and foster meaningful student engagement. Director will develop, administer, and facilitate the evaluation, selection, and awarding of Luckyday Scholars Program scholarships.
Salary Grade: 16
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Student and Group Development:
1. Develop and oversee a four-year student development program that fosters personal growth, leadership, service, and academic success.
2. Design and facilitate structured group experiences that encourage teamwork, relationship-building, and engagement in the Luckyday community.
3. Establish and support student leadership teams and committees, providing guidance on event planning, service projects, and peer mentoring.
4. Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to students, empowering them to set goals, overcome challenges, and maximize their potential.
5. Implement leadership development initiatives, including workshops, retreats, and peer-led programs.
6. Cultivate a culture of belonging and inclusion by fostering meaningful connections among Luckyday Scholars.
Program Oversight and Scholarship Management:
1. Manage all aspects of the scholarship application, evaluation, selection, and awarding process to ensure fair, data-driven, and mission-aligned decisions.
2. Oversee student financial aid to ensure appropriate scholarship distribution and need-based considerations.
3. Research and apply best practices in student development and retention, ensuring the program continues to meet evolving student needs.
4. Assess program effectiveness through qualitative and quantitative evaluation and use findings to enhance student and group development efforts.
5. Coordinate with university offices to ensure program integration with broader student success initiatives.
6. Work collaboratively with other university Luckyday Scholars programs to implement consistency across programs, share strategies, and enhance student experiences.
7. Work collaboratively with Housing and Residence Life to assign rooms for Luckyday Scholars and Luckyday Mentors in Azalea Hall.
8. Oversee the Luckyday office, Luckyday classroom, and Luckyday common area of Azalea Hall.
Community Engagement and Partnerships:
1. Establish and maintain university-wide partnerships to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, service projects, and leadership training.
2. Develop and maintain relationships with campus and community organizations to create service and leadership opportunities.
3. Foster ongoing engagement with Luckyday alumni, building a strong community of former scholars to support current students.
4. Provide an annual report highlighting key student outcomes, leadership initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Coordinator, Luckyday Scholars Program and Graduate Assistant
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field
Experience (yrs.): Eight years of experience directly related to student development, leadership programming, group development, and scholarship management.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience in student leadership development, mentoring, and group facilitation.
2. Background in higher education administration, student engagement, and experiential learning.
3. Knowledge of assessment and program evaluation techniques to measure student growth and success.
4. Experience coordinating alumni outreach and community partnerships.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Student Development Expertise: Deep understanding of student growth models, leadership theories, and group dynamics.
2. Program Development: Ability to design and implement high-impact student programs that foster personal and group development.
3. Mentorship & Coaching: Strong interpersonal skills for guiding students in their academic, personal, and professional growth.
4. Communication & Facilitation: Ability to engage students, staff, and stakeholders through dynamic communication and group facilitation.
5. Strategic Thinking & Execution: Ability to align program goals with institutional priorities.
6. Relationship Building: Skilled at fostering collaboration between students, alumni, campus partners, and external stakeholders.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent walking, sitting, reaching, and handling objects.
• Exposure to deadlines, interruptions, and emotionally sensitive situations.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at: www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter and resume.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
